Daily Yellowstone journal., 1887-12-04
A FOREST ADVENTURE.

The duties of pilot on small steamer
that plies up and nown a deep muddy
stream between two cities, about one
hundred miles apart, are not always Of
the pleasantest nature. The sumptuous
plot houses of our modern ferry boats
and great sound steamers do not give
the faintest suggestion Of the narrow,
two by two plank platform that was
formerly used az standing place for the
pilots Of the river steamers.
The northern limit Of our journey was
marked by small village, situated on
the very banks of the river, and forming
the commercial seaport for about half a
dozen similar towns. The width of the
stream at this point was about seventy
five feet, and it was very shallow. Both
banks for miles down the river were
fined with thick woods, and the branches
grew so far across the water that in many
places the boughs on the opposite sides
interlaced with each other, and formed a
natural archway, through which we were
compelled to sail. On dark nights the
gloom was intense, and it required a
strong head light to dispel the shadows
sufficiently for Us to guide our small
craft through the water. Here and there
great logs, OF fallen trees, nearly blocked
up the way, and made the journey doubly
dangerous.
One dark night in the fall Of the year,
we were proceeding up the river, as
usual. when strange adventure hap
peaed 10 us. The night was one Of those
fitfully cloudy ones, which is lighted up
occasionally by the moon emerging from
a bank Of clouds and then disappearing
again. We had slow head Of steam
on, and the tug was putting along leis-
urely, making perhaps about half rate
q, speed. Ny familiarity with the river
enabled Inc to guide the boat along with
comparative ease, while listened to the
chorus Of wild animals. which were max
ing the woods resound with their cries.
Occasionally the green CLEAN of an eve
could be seen watching is from the shore.
Now and then heavy splash in the water
intimated that some ferocious beast had
come down to bathe, or had started in
pursuit Of our floating home.
The deck hands went asleep as the night
advanced, and was left alone with my
thoughts. We were gliding under one Of
the leafy arches that extended across the
river, when was aroused by series Of
wild screams. l at once knew that the
cry came from human being and not
from wild animal. Spokihg the wheel.
l seized the rifle that stood by nv side
and prepared myself for whatever might
turn up.
For a few moments there was entire
silence in the woods, the birds and ami
mails having been frightened into quiet
by the strange cry Of a human voice.
Then, without warning. there was noise
in the leaves overhead, and before could
place my rifle to my shoulder, the form
Of human being dropped heavily to the
deck Of the steamer. II fell in a small
heap right neal the stern OF the boat,
where it remained motionless, as il crush
cd to death by the fall.
The tumult had by this time startled the
deck hands from their sleep. and with one
impulse we started in body toward our
strange visitor.
"Fur the love Of God, fellers. help me
up, an take pity on a poor onfortinit.
Thet old limb pitched me harder'n | cal
kerlated, an it's nigh onto broken me all
up. Ef it hadn't saved my life I'd cum
back here some day. an cut il off, an
pitch it into the river, jes' for spite. But
thet critter didn't get me, arter all, an
ye jes bet she's in 'em bushes now a
gnashin' an gnashin' her teeth"
remained silent during the outburst.
The man was evidently hurt, thoSkh not
20 much but he could enjoy the fact that
he was safe. / knelt down by his side,
and asked him il he needed assistance;
but he rose to his feet with difficulty,
saying:
"No; / amt so bad off as | thought I
was. The fact is, pards, / was kisder stun
ned and frightened more'n anything else.
Ef ye'd been a-walkin' roun' an roun'
these ere woods for nigh onto two days,
gettin 'nothin' TO eat 'cept what ye could
pick up in the woods, an fightin the wild
critters, ye'd be somewhat knocked up in
q heap. These ere woods amt no play,
things, an it don't do 10 get lost intt
EN-"
Lost, were your" we asked.
"Yes. Lost, an without much hope oi
ever findin' my way out ag'in. Ye see
the fact is, strangers, was out a-huntin
with party Of fellers, an in chasin' q
wild deer we got separated in the woods,
an afore | knew was clean of my
bearin's. ! wandered roun' an roun'
fur hours, yellin' an yellin' fur help, but
nothin' heard me 'cept the wild animals.
Confound their carcassesi they gave me
o chase. but shot 'em az t..st as they
came 10 me, until didn't hev any more
powder. Then l threw my rifle away,
an jes' kept this speakin' tube"-.tap.
ping large navy revolver. as he spoke
.'in case was pressed too closely. WAL,
I did hev 10 use II onct or twice, an Il
came In jes' at the right time. When
struck this river, | thought I'D follow ID
banks down till came 20 some village
then I'd be all right. But | soon discov
ered thet the wild beasts were thicker 4
flies roun' its border, an i was jes
maxim preparations to strike out In tn
forest ag'in when heerd the whistle o
your boat. waded ~ near the water q
j could get Then, - ~ the headligb